We haven't been talking much about fish here recently, but we can't resist this Moody Aquarium Sink. Well, due to the price we will actually have to resist it, but we love the look, a washbasin doubling as a lighted fish aquarium. Stunning!
Christian the Lion the Full Story -- True Friendships Last a Lifetime
Want to make sure all our Super Cool Pets readers have seen this video which has had more than 7 million views on You Tube and was featured on the Today Show as well as its NBC affiliates.
Here's an innovative way to make one job more tolerable for all you dog lovers out there. No more carrying around messy plastic bags through an entire dog walk. Nothing worse than running into someone you know, stopping to talk with a gross poop bag on your arm.
Dog Poo Bags are much more hygienic and more fun, since they come in 8 different colorful design styles with humorous sayings. Each Poo Bag has its own scoop--once it is used just plop the mess and scoop in the bag, seal it up and dispose. Need it again on the walk? The one-size-fits-all Dog Poo Bags come in packs of 16, so bring a few along. Poo happens, so be prepared!
Rachael Ray Nutrish: New Line of Super Cool Dog Food & Treats to Benefit Dogs in Need
Not only are dogs pack animals, we humans are as well. TV personalities are jumping on the pet food and products bandwagon this summer. Earlier this month we wrote about Cesar Millan's Dog Whisperer™ new line of pet products (available at Amazon), and now Rachel Ray has joined the pack. Rachael's proceeds from the sales of Nutrish for Pets will go to organizations such as those listed on her Rachel's Rescue site @ http://www.rachaelsrescue.org
Rachael Ray Nutrish includes two varieties of all natural dog food featuring real meat as the first ingredient -- Real Chicken and Veggies and Real Beef and Brown Rice. There are no by-products, fillers, artificial flavors or preservatives; and each recipe contains:
-- Antioxidant nutrients like vitamin E and selenium to support a healthy
immune system
-- A healthy fiber blend including oatmeal for easy digestion
-- Omega Fatty Acids, with a dash of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) to
support healthy skin and a shiny coat
-- High quality proteins to support healthy organs and lean muscle mass
-- Calcium for strong bones and healthy teeth
Where To Buy: Rachael Ray Nutrish is carried almost everywhere you shop for the rest of your family's meals. For more info, visit http://www.nutrishforpets.com
Super Cool Pets recently stumbled over these sharp-looking raised feeders and waterers for cats and dogs. Raised feeders are more comfortable for most pets, so why not max out the enjoyment? Features:
Stainless bowls are removable for easy cleaning
Rubber feet on the underside to prevent slippage
Available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large
Right now you probably just get your pet's drugs from your vet. You may be surprised to see how they are marking up the drug prices and how much you can save by going to a legitimate online pet pharmacy.
I found this out when my vet said my dog Jolly needed an iron supplement he would order. I waited days for him to get the $40 bottle in. Then I found it online for $10, no prescription needed.
Some old-fashioned vets don't have a huge mark-up on prescriptions or even prefer writing prescriptions to stocking medicines. But for many cash-strapped vets it's a big way to make money. That may seem like a conflict of interest -- and it's why people doctors can't sell prescriptions.
Just last month the vet business journal Veterinary Economics had a story "Six Tips to Rev Up Refills and Revenues." They've consistently advised vets to have a big markup on prescriptions and to charge a dispensing fee. They advise a minimum dispensing fee of about $20 and then at least doubling the actual cost of the drug. Vet consultants generally recommend that the rarer the drug, the bigger the markup.
According to Wallet Pop, the biggest online pharmacy player is 1800PetMeds, and their favorite (and hugely popular) is:
My favorite is the largest online pet catalog in the United States, Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Licensed Pharmacy. They're becoming a major player in online pet drugs. Two Wisconsin veterinarians, Dr. Rory Foster and Dr. Marty Smith, founded the company in 1983. I talked to them and they explained that a human pharmacist dispenses drugs and follows all the rules that human pharmacies do: he accepts calls or faxes from the vet or an original prescription, but no copies or faxes from the owner.
They also offer Prescription Compounding and will work with you and your veterinarian to find the most effective formula for your pets needs and tastes.
Compounding can allow your veterinarian to:
* Create alternative dosage forms
* Change dosages & strengths
* Combine drugs or customize formulation
* Compound discontinued drugs
* Add species-specific flavors
Here is a short list of well-known sites for some super cool deals on pet meds online:
If you have any experiences to share or suggestions, please leave a comment or send an email to news@supercoolpets.com--Super Cool Pets does not endorse any particular online site.
Pet Scoop -- How To Protect Your Pets from Thieves
Whether you view the animals you live with as pets, loved ones, children or pack leaders, this is a scary trend. MSNBC reports that "some dognappers are stealing pets for quick profit...It's not just dogs who are stolen, although they're the most common targets. Cats are at risk too." From the MSNBC.com, Pet thefts rise as economy hits dog-gone low, ways to protect against pet theft:
Don't leave your dog alone in your yard for long periods, especially if it's visible from the street.
If strangers approach you with admiring comments about your dog, don't share information about his cost or where you live.
Report a theft to police and animal control as soon as it happens.
Keep a current photo of your pet so you can make flyers or posters immediately and post the photo on Web sites.
If possible, hold back some kind of descriptive information about your pet so you can sort out crank calls from serious ones.
Microchip your dogs and cats, and keep microchip registration information up to date so shelters and veterinarians can contact you if your pet is found. A microchip also serves as proof that an animal belongs to you.
A tattoo on the inner thigh is a permanent way of identifying your dog if the tattoo is registered with a tracking organization such as National Dog Registry.
Consider GPS for your pet. New GPS collars allow owners to set up a safety zone. If the pet strays beyond it, an alert goes out e-mail and text message. The collars have potential for tracking missing dogs, but they're expensive at $129.99 and up, and they can be removed by someone who finds the dog and decides to keep it.
Not only has the economy hit a new "dog-gone low", Americans have too, if this is the way they deal.
If your pet ever does disappear, whether through theft or running away, missing-pet Web sites such as dogdetective.com and K9 Amber Alert may help.
2 More Ways to Keep Your Dog Super Cool -- Cool 'N Dry Towel and Chillybuddy
On steamy days, we can't help but wonder if our pets are cool enough.
When your dog is hot, it cools and when your dog is wet, it dries. -- We love versatile products and these Cool N DryTowels fit the bill. The Cool N Dry Towel is a lightweight sponge towel that can be used in your pet's crate or even draped over your dog to help keep him/her cool.
To use--soak the towel in cool water, wring it out, and place the dimpled side for cooling over your dog. You can also use it to dry your dog off after romps in the morning dew, baths, and swims. Follow the same procedure--wet the towel, wring out the excess water, and then use the smooth side to dry off your dog.
"The coolest dogs use Chillybuddy" -- Another way to keep your buddy super cool is the field-tested, light-weight mesh Chillybuddy Dog Cooling Jacket. It is designed to lower coat temperature and provide protection from direct sunlight, particularly beneficial for light-skinned dogs. The Chillybuddy may reduce sunburn and prevent sun bleaching.
New book releases at Amazon in the past few weeks. Mainly dogs at this time, though new cat books are in the pipeline to be released soon.
The Well-Adjusted Dog: Dr. Dodman's Seven Steps to Lifelong Health and Happiness for Your Best Friend
by Nicholas H. Dodman
Publication Date: July 9, 2008
From a world-renowned animal behaviorist and leading authority in the veterinary field comes this comprehensive, holistic seven-step approach to caring for your adult dog, including health, behavior, and environment. In this essential new book, Dodman draws on some twenty-five years of clinical experience to bring together the art--and science--of dog ownership.
Puppy's First Steps: A Proven Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, Well-Behaved Companion by Faculty of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
Publication Date: July 24, 2008
This book offers crucial advice for the puppy's first year--the most essential twelve months of a dog's development--and throughout the dog's life, ensuring a strong, happy bond between owners and their best friends.
Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food
by Ann N. Martin
Publication Date: July 23, 2008
The commercial pet food industry has a secret to hide -- and Ann Martin wants to make sure you know it. Her research reveals some startling facts: that the pet food industry conducts animal testing in order to improve their product, and includes euthanized cats and dogs in the mix to heighten protein content. In this revised and updated edition, Martin continues to explore the shocking processes by which commercial pet foods are produced. She offers alternative recipes for feeding pets, nutritional advice, and an exploration of "Pet Peeves," in which she explores several scams aimed at pet owners.
Play With Your Dog (Dogwise Training Manual)
by Pat Miller (Author)
Publication Date: July 2008
In her newest book, Pat Miller explores the role and benefits of play between you and your dog - and between dogs. Play behaviors have important learning and health benefits that help dogs become well-adjusted members of both their canine and human families. Pat includes dozens of game ideas collected from trainers all over the country you can try out with your dog(s).
A Dog Who's Always Welcome: Assistance and Therapy Dog Trainers Teach You How to Socialize and Train Your Companion Dog
by Lorie Long
Publication Date: July 21, 2008
If you're like most dog owners, you want a trustworthy companion you can take on family vacations, to ball games, on hikes, and to cafes and festivals. You want your dog to behave when you have guests, stay peacefully at hotels, ride calmly in elevators, and maintain proper doggie decorum in all kinds of situations.Chances are, you've watched and admired assistance and therapy dogs who are attentive to their owners' needs no matter what. This book taps into the secrets of assistance and therapy dog trainers and shows you how to use focused foundation socialization training to make sure your dog is well behaved--even in unfamiliar environments loaded with distractions and temptations.
Here is our weekly update on seasonal sales and discounts from some of our favorite super cool pet shops. If you are having a sale of your own, or know of a good one, send an email to news@supercoolpets.
Scan Designer Pet Bed - Super Cool Lounging Furniture for the Pampered Pet
A luxury designer pet bed for the modern pampered pet. The Scan modern dog bed is equipped with a micro-suede reversible cover that gives you two beds in one. Available in many colors as you update your decor. Stay in with the latest trend. Features:
* Ultra modern clear acrylic base.
* Genuine leather or premium vinyl side panels
* Micro-suede removable/reversible cover.
* Machine-washable covers can put on and off in seconds.
The bed has a water-resistant fabric base that can be wiped clean and inhibits odors from permeating the underlying high quality foam. Scan
Totes are a must-have when you go anywhere these days, especially with your doggy. Personalize your dog supply tote and get a matching personalized collar for your dog. The Personalized Tote Bag and Matching Collar gives you and your dog an attractive coordinated look and at the same time your dog is protected with ID.
The canvas tote bag and the collar are personalized using a digital dye technique that permanently bonds both the design and your dog's name/telephone number to the fabric. Washable. Gift idea!
Special day today here at Super Cool Pets. Our girls are turning five. Carrot cake baked in a special bone-shaped non-stick cake pan and toffee ice cream all around. No chocolate, not good for doggies. The girls get very excited when the birthday candles are lit and sing along to "Happy Birthday" before they get their cake and ice cream.
Pet Gear I-Go 2 Traveler -- Small Pet Carrier and Stroller Has Versatile Uses
This 5 in 1 Pet Gear I-GO2 pet carrier is an easy way to travel with your pets, whether walking, hiking, airports, cars. The I-Go 2 Traveler is suitable for pets up to 15 lbs. This carrier has versatile features--can be used as wheeled carrier, shoulder bag, backpack, pet car seat and hand carryall
Approved as a carry-on for most airlines
Durable nylon material and PVC mesh
Front opening and two self-fastening pockets on both sides
Includes covered wheels to protect clothing and car interior from wet or dirty wheels
Is Pet Insurance the Solution to Rising Vet Costs? Compare Plans
If you are finding that you are spending a nice chunk of your hard-earned dollars on pet care, you are not alone. According to the Dallas Morning News:
...owners are expected to spend a record $43 billion on their pets this year, $2 billion more than last year, according to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.
About 67 percent of U.S. households own a pet, and chances are they spend half their pet costs on vet visits and over-the-counter medicine, the survey said.
Whereas a new toy for our pets may be optional, medical care is a necessity and it isn't getting any cheaper. The Dallas News article recommends pet insurance, as does WP's Taming Costly Vet Bills:
If your cat comes down with pneumonia, the bill could run $1,900. Cancer therapy for a dog averages nearly $3,600. James Busby, veterinarian and author of How to Afford Veterinary Care Without Mortgaging the Kids recommends that pet owners ask upfront about all treatment options and costs, including for routine care. For example, many vets vaccinate dogs every year. But according to an American Animal Hospital Association study, adult dogs need most shots only once every three years.
The typical insurance premium for a dog is about $40 per month -- that's $5,280 if a dog lives 11 years, the average canine life span in the United States. Policies usually cover illness and accidents, although some insurers provide only accident protection. A few policies cover preventive care, such as regular checkups and vaccines.
Payouts depend on the insurer, but it's common for companies to foot 80 percent of the bill. To compare the benefits, co-payments and deductibles of major pet insurers, go to http://www.petinsurancereview.com.
Crazy Cat Wall Climbing Systems -- Mix and Match to Create Your Own
Let your cat play way up high where s/he always wants to be anyway. With Crazy Cat Wall Climbing Systems you can create your own special design that works for your cat and with your decor. Choose from carpeted corner condos, tubes, cradles, wall shelves and pockets.
The Pet Contour Tool bends and flexes to clean up stubborn dirt and hair stuck in tough-to-reach areas such as stairs, along armrests, and other curved surfaces. The Pet Hair Turbo brush combines a rotating brush with special rubber fingers that attract and pick up pet hair.
Features:
Upright bagless vacuum cleaner with powerful 12 amp motor
2-stage cyclonic action provides superior suction for removing dirt and pet hair
In our seemingly dog-eat-dog world (ha-ha), there are still a lot of people out there doing good things. One wine company, Cru Vin Dogs, "combines great wine, fine art, special dogs and worthy canine-related causes."
A minimum of 10% of their sales revenue on all wines, art, and merchandise is split between their charitable partners: Canine Companions for Independence and the Morris Animal Foundation's Cure Canine Cancer Campaign.
They say it best:
Cru Vin Dogs isn't your ordinary wine company. We exist to combine our passions--friendship, wine, art, and our love of dogs and worthy causes--into a wine brand with a purpose. Wine that gives back. Wine that makes a difference.
Current releases include Puppy Series, Portrait Series and Best in Show. Salud!
Here is our weekly update on seasonal sales and discounts from some of our favorite super cool pet shops. If you are having a sale of your own, or know of a good one, send an email to news@supercoolpets.
Italbrass Moody Aquarium Sink 
), and now Rachel Ray has joined the pack. Rachael's proceeds from the sales of Nutrish for Pets will go to organizations such as those listed on her Rachel's Rescue site @ 
